Feelings in the Lift: Comparing Perceptual Responses to Cluster and Traditional Resistance Training Protocols.

Abstract

Abstract: de Souza Soares, B, Mohammad, J, Cantelmo, CE, Gomes Alves, MC, de Oliveira Barros, BC, and Vieira de Oliveira, G. Feelings in the lift: Comparing perceptual responses to cluster and traditional resistance training protocols. J Strength Cond Res 40(5): e437-e444, 2026-This study compared the acute effects of traditional vs. cluster resistance training (RT) protocols on affective valence, arousal, enjoyment, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in resistance-trained young adults. Sixteen subjects completed 2 lower-limb RT sessions in a randomized crossover design: 1 with a traditional configuration and another with cluster sets. Affective valence declined during and after the traditional session ( p < 0.05), but remained stable across time in the cluster session, with a significant protocol × time interaction ( p < 0.001). Perceived activation increased in both conditions ( p < 0.001) but was significantly higher after the traditional protocol ( p = 0.04; d = 0.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.12-1.21]). Enjoyment was significantly greater ( p < 0.01; d = 0.7, 95% CI [-1.31 to -0.18]), and RPE significantly lower ( p < 0.001; d = 1.2, 95% CI [0.52-1.82]) following the cluster session. Rating of perceived exertion negatively correlated with enjoyment ( r = -0.54, p = 0.03) and affective valence ( r = -0.54, p = 0.032) in the traditional condition. These results suggest that RT set configuration acutely modulates psychoaffective outcomes. Cluster RT elicits more favorable affective and perceptual responses, which may enhance exercise enjoyment and support long-term adherence.